As a professional interim CEO and transition strategist, and as a leadership coach and consultant, I have the privilege of helping purpose-driven leaders and organizations create the impact they envision, and move forward with clarity in making the choices needed to reach their goals.

Based upon some of the common themes that appear when I work 1:1 with my clients, I’ve created an E-Guide: Take Charge and Be Confident – 4 Actions to Immediately Increase Your Value, Impact and Happiness. 

The e-guide offers a straightforward way to take charge and immediately break through the internal and external forces that may be keeping you “stuck.”

This E-Guide Is For You If:

• You are a smart leader who wants to make an even bigger difference in the world
• You’re feeling pulled towards embarking on a NEW chapter for yourself or your organization
• You’re ready to reclaim that SPARK in your work, and live your life’s purpose

RECEIVE YOUR FREE COPY HERE (just enter your email on the landing page and you’ll receive the e-guide right away)

My intention is two-fold: to provide you with another tool to help you achieve what you want, and to create an easy way for you to introduce my work to other like-minded individuals who may benefit.

Since January of this year my decision to choose a path that “makes my heart sing” has been a life changing journey for me, and I am so blessed to be living my purpose every day.

To your success,

Kathryn

As we head into the home stretch of the summer, do you find yourself thinking “I can’t believe it’s August already!”   Or when you celebrate family or career milestones, is it hard to believe the years have passed?

In our fast paced, technology driven world, it’s easy for the days to fly by even faster as we move from one project to the next, then one week to the next, until one day we look up and ask: “Where has the time gone?”

While it’s perfectly natural and human to reflect on the passage of time, we have a powerful choice when it comes to the meaning we place on the time that has “passed.”

When we focus on the things we haven’t accomplished, we unconsciously pass judgment on ourselves and imply (to ourselves and others) that we are unsatisfied about how we’ve invested that time.

Instead, I suggest we reframe that question to:  “What are the things I’ve accomplished this past day , week, month, or year that I’m most proud of?”  and “What is the impact that has occurred because of my actions and how I choose to BE in the world?”

Can you see the difference? Both questions address the passage of time, but the focus of the two questions is entirely different! The “Where has the time gone?” question focuses on lack, while the “What have I accomplished?” question focuses on abundance.

It’s a subtle, but important shift in thinking when it comes to living a purposeful life and making the greatest impact in the world that we can.

It’s also important to remind ourselves that the only thing that’s real is what’s happening right now.

All we have is this moment.

Days, months, years and decades are just human inventions that help us measure the quantity of those “moments,” and passing negative judgment on ourselves about what we haven’t yet done, is usually not going to serve our greatest good!

While viewing the glass as “half empty” sometimes can strengthen our motivation, there is a difference between getting more inspired to create what we want, and looking at the past in a judgmental way.

I explain this approach in more detail in the new e-guide I released a few weeks ago that you can download here.

So as we finish up the summer of 2016, I encourage you to focus on all of the amazing things you’ve done this year… and how your actions and choices have made a difference – and to whom.  In your organization? Your community? Your family?  Start by making a list for just this past week!  Noticing and acknowledging those small “wins” – especially when stacked together will both reveal and create your momentum and trajectory!

Remember, that if you have a clear intention, a clear purpose, and a strong “why,” you will be able to use each moment in the highest way. It won’t always be perfect, but it will be great!
If you’d like to get clear about creating YOUR purposeful intentions, and make sure you’re focused on the best actions to move those intentions forward, I invite you to schedule a Clarity Call with me.Click here to schedule your complimentary Clarity Call today.

As always, I’m grateful to have you as a part of my email community, and I stand by you in FULL support of your intentions, dreams, and commitment to making a big difference in the world.

-Kathryn

“ …living birds, they essentially sing from the heart. Their vocal organ is deep in the chest. And we and crocodiles, our vocal folds are in our mouth.”  – Julia Clarke’s “New Research Debunks The Dinosaur’ s Roar”

I started 2016 with a clear, overarching intention:  to mindfully choose the work, the clients and the embodied actions that would make my heart sing.

This may sound like such a non-professional and simplistic-sounding intention.  In fact, the first time I said it out-loud was when I resigned from ACG, a firm with colleagues I hold in high regard.  To be honest, conveying my decision in those terms felt a little awkward… at first.

Now, seven months later, I shout (or sing!) it from the roof-tops.

It’s so easy to get caught up in our “should’s,” which are the external expectations, and practical or realistic concerns. We approach our lives and our decisions from our head, and at times, approaching things this way certainly serves us well.

Those “practical concerns” are there to protect us. Our brain doesn’t want us to get hurt. So when starting a business, for example, the “head” tells us to be extra conservative and stay in our jobs a little longer. That is useful information, and can lead us to make smart financial decisions.

Setting an intention for “dropping down” into our heart, however, can be transformative. When I first considered starting my entrepreneurial journey, it just “felt” like the perfect choice. I couldn’t explain it. I was pulled towards it. Granted, I had no idea HOW I was going to do it (practical concerns), but I knew I had to follow my intuition.

Thinking in this way is not always easy, especially for adults. We have responsibilities, families, bills, and lots of other reasons why we should really choose the practical approach. But if we ignore the heart, it’s only a matter of time before we start to feel unhappy, and wonder “what if?”

I encourage you today to really listen for your heart song. What is it saying? What shifts do you want to make?

As always, if you want some personal support in tuning into your heart song, AND approach it from a practical perspective, I’m here. I invite you to apply for a complimentary clarity call with me and let’s see how we can connect the head and the heart to hit your targets!

Kathryn

“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.” –  Anton Checkov

It’s true isn’t it? When we are doing what we love and feel like we’re making a big difference, we feel great, no matter the season.

Still though…I love this time of year!  Vacations, barbeques, trips to the beach and lots of time spent with family and friends.

And while we’re having all that fun…does being in “vacation mode” reveal any new insights?

Do you become more aware there is a stark contrast between your work life and personal life?  Do you gain new perspective that a change is needed in relationships? Do you find yourself not wanting to return to work? Or at work, do you wish you were somewhere else?  Or find that there are days that resistance shows up so strongly that you just don’t feel like doing much work at all?

Can you relate?

Whether it came in the summer or not, I used to fight this resistance, or ignore it, and just push harder and harder against the resistance and try to power through. I accomplished a lot this way.

Over the years though, pushing like this has consequences, and can prevent us from finding the place where our work and personal lives are in alignment and we are passionately and purposefully having the impact we are meant to have.

I’ve learned that resistance is simply part of the creative process whether we’re an artist, a writer, an entrepreneur, or a leader in an organization. It’s normal. It’s human, and fighting it doesn’t help.

In fact, I’ve learned that fighting the resistance will actually make it worse! Have you ever heard the quote: “What we resist…persists?”

So this summer, when you have those days where you just “don’t feel like it,” or when you feel completely stuck, here are 3 quick tips to take your resistance and LEVERAGE it to create deeper understanding and then a strategy to actually address what is in your way:

1. Breathe, and acknowledge that the resistance is normal. Don’t pretend it isn’t there. Notice what you are feeling.  And, does it feel familiar – are there other times in your past when you’ve felt this same feeling? [hint:  YES] Any observations?
2. Remind yourself that the resistance/avoidance/frustration may be there under the belief that it will protect you. It’s your brain trying to keep you from taking an action (that in the past may have “hurt” you in some way.  Failing, being criticized, being told what to do by someone who didn’t value you, etc.).  Write your observations down.
3. Take 5-10 minutes and write about your why. In my prior messages and on Linked In, I’ve written several articles about the importance of being connected to your why and also what you really want – in terms of IMPACT. Spending a few minutes writing about these things will help re-energize you to take charge of your situation, knowing that your work matters.  Or it will help you make a change so that you can use your time for your true purpose!  As I work with my leadership coaching clients 1:1, all forms of resistance show up… and that’s when a breakthrough can occur!  If you’d like to dig a little deeper with me, you can schedule a complimentary clarity call with me by clicking here.

These calls are a great way to shine a light on what actions would make the biggest impact for you, and to see if and how I might be able to support you along the way.

Happy Summer!

Kathryn

Have you ever had plans that didn’t go as you had intended or expected – either something that you initiated or “caused,” or something that happened TO you?

• Finding that your new job is not what you had expected?
• A funder just let you know they will not be supporting your organization next year.
• Not doing your best in an interview?
• Not getting offered a job that you wanted?
• Your Executive Director just gave 4 weeks’ notice?
• Not getting acknowledged for your contribution to a success?
• Being laid off due to budget cuts?
• Becoming a single parent?
• Having a serious medical situation occur?
• Not sending out your “Happy Friday” email on Friday as planned? 🙂

In my conversations with clients and colleagues these past two weeks – and in my personal life, too – things not going as planned was a common dynamic. Sometimes the situations may be small and easily manageable, and other times it may bring us to our knees and be life and career altering.

The million dollar question(s): how do you CHOOSE to react, how do you choose to feel, how do you choose to frame it? How do you choose to take charge?

Know this: if we are in business, or actively living, there will be times when things don’t go as planned. If we start with that premise, and we add some simple strategies on how to frame our situation in the context of our broader life’s momentum, trajectory and purpose…we can move from the screeching halt that feelings of failure, anger, frustration, overwhelm, and uncertainty can bring.

If – or I should say WHEN – you find yourself in a situation where things don’t go as planned, see if doing the following things help you initially:

• Try Benjamin Zander’s practice from the Art of Possibility: put your arms up, smile and say “How Fascinating! (I have the opportunity to reflect and learn)”
• It’s been said that it’s impossible to feel fear or anger at the same time as gratitude. It may be hard initially, but find a moment to state what you are grateful for – even during this moment of uncertainty and change.
• Be kind to yourself. We can be our own worst critics. Notice how you are framing the situation, and what assumptions you may be making… often there is a complete opposite (and truthful) way to restate the reality that will then change your feelings, that will then change your (re-)actions.

If you’re finding yourself in a place of uncertainty, or in a place where you KNOW you’re ready to breakthrough, but just need a little more focus, clarity, or guidance, I’d love to talk with you. My 1:1 Leadership Coaching Clients are strong, smart, purpose-driven individuals who know it’s a strength to create strategies and practices to navigate business and life!

Schedule a 1:1 Clarity Call with me here, and we can chat.

Create yourself a great weekend!
Warmly,

Kathryn Martin

Hard to believe it’s Memorial Day weekend already, isn’t it? 

We’re shifting into the Summer months – moving from the 16/17 performance season to our summer festivals & pops concerts, making the last big pushes to end fiscal years in the black, going to conferences, celebrating graduations and taking some much needed vacations.

For some, it’s also a time of professional transitions – leaving organizations in good shape and moving to new communities and new roles. We’re half way through 2016, and this weekend while the grill is heating up may be a good time to reflect and take stock:

• What excites you about what you currently do?  Why?
• How can you do more of that in the second half of 2016?
• Are there situations, aspects of your work environment, or relationships that weigh heavily on you and seem to be preventing you from achieving what you want?
• What are the embodied actions (thoughts, feelings, actions) that you could take over the next 90 days to get what you want?

I encourage you to find time to re-focus on the things that you LOVE about what you do, and re-affirm what you stand for, what impact you want to have, and identify and celebrate the momentum you have already created (your “strategic trajectory”).  And…what’s next?!

And to be clear, “what’s next?” does not always mean finding a new job!  This practice of focusing on what you love, and why you love it can bring a wonderful energy and effectiveness into your current work and relationships. It helps you get “buy in” from your team members and stakeholders when they sense your clarity about carrying out your purpose, and that they know how they can be a part of it.

For me, these first six months of 2016 have been so exciting, as I set my intention to be a champion for successful leaders to take charge and live in their purpose.

This has manifested in having the opportunity to coach consultants, Artistic Directors and nonprofit management leaders and their professional staff, author articles and speak to Board members on strategically managing times of leadership transitions. I’ve learned to ask for help, and surround myself with people that inspire me. I’ve also been blessed to work with an incredible team of people in my Interim President & CEO role in Milwaukee.

I’m back home in San Diego this weekend, and am feeling tremendously grateful after being on the road for three weeks.  Grateful that I have such interesting work with clients across the country, and so grateful that being home both energizes and restores me, and ensures that no matter how busy I get, my actions and decisions continue to reflect my intentions.

Of course, if you’d like to chat 1:1 with me about how you can get more connected to your purpose, and take the right actions towards hitting your goals,

I invite you to get on my calendar for a Clarity Call by clicking here.
I get so much energy from talking with you, and it just lights me up to be able to provide you with the clarity you need to move forward with your momentum.So here’s to a wonderful summer ahead, and enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

Kathryn Martin

As I continue my travel adventures for my business, I’m noticing more themes that I think can help us all as we grow into the best leaders we can be.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve facilitated some group leadership events and one lesson that has surfaced quite often in the work is that we need to choose our words mindfully.

We need to take FULL responsibility for the language we use so we can create more possibilities for achieving the outcomes we want. As I prepared for facilitating these events, I realized how easy it is to use words that – although correct – don’t actually convey any intention on my part nor elicit the kind of engagement I need for the group to connect, learn and have deeper insights.

In fact, using some of these “standard” words can actually create strong negative reactions and frustration, or at minimum cause people’s eyes to glaze over and lead to the participants become disconnected. There are some words and terminology that over time, can become “empty.”

Think of a time when you were invited to your annual board or staff RETREAT. What do you feel? (I’ll bet I know)  Now what if the invitation said that this year it was a SUMMIT? You may not exactly know what that means, so already you are more present.  Also, there may even be an assumption that your input matters and that a group of experts are going to convene to do good work.

Here’s another example:

Think of what may happen when see that the consultant has slides on MISSION, VISION, VALUES… [groan.. we KNOW who we are, let’s just get to the part that will HELP us!]  Instead, what if you were guided through a process to determine your IMPACT, capture your STRATEGIC TRAJECTORY and begin TELLING YOUR STORY?  What if you had a clear sense of “Here’s where we Are, Here’s where we’re Going and Here’s how we’re going to GET there!”  AND, what if you left the day being able to fill in this sentence:  “This is such an exciting time as we…”

No matter what project I’m working on, whether it’s 1:1 Leadership Coaching, Transition Strategy Consulting work with Boards, Interim Leadership or workshops –  it seems I am always brought back to the need to first determine what we “want”. THEN we can more clearly choose the embodied actions (thoughts, feelings, language)  that will create the possibility to achieve those outcomes.

Whatever you’re working on right now, I hope that my Lessons from the Field are resonating with you and inspiring you to move towards what YOU actually want.

If you’d like to connect with me for a 1:1: Clarity Call to determine you or your organization’s best next moves to achieving your goals, get on my calendar by clicking here and we’ll make it happen!

With your success in mind,

Kathryn

As promised, this week’s lesson from my entrepreneurial journey comes from my leadership coaching practice. I have the honor of working with (and learning from) many successful leaders who are all making a difference.

While their specific situations vary greatly – from searching for a new job, to wanting more effective relationships with board members or staff, and wanting to create work life balance – I’ve noticed common themes appearing. These commonalities have allowed me to create strategies that have applications for everyone.

Here’s a key lesson that has surfaced that is paramount for success in any field:

Test and challenge your assumptions and beliefs. They may be correct, or… they might not be! And if they are not…THEN WHAT??

Each day as we make plans, decide what needs to get done, and react to things that happen (or don’t happen), we make choices, and these choices are based upon what we believe.

The beliefs we hold about others, about what is or is not possible, about the best way to do something, and about ourselves are driving EVERY choice we make

All of these beliefs might be true… AND the complete opposite can also be true! Let’s look at a few common examples of beliefs that I’ve encountered in my work with others, and some possible reframes of those beliefs in brackets:

• “50% of marriages end in divorce” [and yours can thrive!]
• “Classical music audiences are dying out” [and your orchestra can adapt, and seek new ways to be relevant!]
• “People aren’t leaving their jobs, so new leadership positions are hard to find” [and yet, you can find a job!]
• “They didn’t return my phone call, so they don’t think I’m the right fit for the job” [or they are really interested and are just dealing with a big crisis this week!]• “I’m not as qualified as others are” [and yet your experience and specific gifts differentiate you in the market place]
• “They’re mad at me, so I’m going to let them cool down” [Their feelings are hurt, and they wish you would reach out]

Choose your thoughts wisely, and challenge your own assumptions very carefully!

Most of the time we don’t even realize how the things we are thinking and saying could sabotage what we’re trying to accomplish in our organization, our relationships, and our own lives!

So today I challenge you to ask yourself:

What beliefs, statements, behaviors, thoughts, feelings and language do you notice coming up for you regularly?

How are those believes serving you, and helping you achieve what you want?

If they are NOT serving you well, how can you reframe them to better support you?

Asking these kinds of questions in my coaching practice is extremely gratifying as I get to watch my clients have rapid breakthroughs. Sometimes we just need someone to hold up a mirror for us, so that we can see for ourselves, our strengths, and how our own thinking is keeping us stuck.

If you’d like to chat with me 1:1 to see what blocks might be getting in your way, I’d love to hear from you.

Schedule your complimentary clarity call here and let me hold up that mirror for YOU!

With your success in mind,

Kathryn

“Wow – you are so passionate about what you do!  I can tell you’ve really found your calling in life!”

This is probably the best compliment I could ever receive. To know that I am living in such a way that my passion and love for what I do shines through, is truly gratifying.

I heard this statement from three different people this week! What I found interesting was that each conversation was an observation about a different type of my consulting work – in this case it was serving as the Interim President & CEO of a performing arts center, doing 1:1 leadership coaching, and speaking at a Writer’s Workshop on breaking through resistance.

Each time it was said, it surprised me because I wasn’t talking about what I do, I was doing the work; focused on the client, in the “zone,” and thinking about ways to address a problem. And yet, it resonated.

It got me thinking about you…my email community.

There is such a diverse group of people with whom I’ve been blessed to connect over the years. Arts leaders, non-profit board members and CEO’s, entrepreneurs, and stay at home moms! It’s really remarkable, and humbling when I think about all of the ways that you make a difference in the world.

Ever since I launched my business in January, I’ve been constantly refining my response to that infamous question we often hear: “So Kathryn, what do you do?”

From the start, I’ve made it my goal to create a business that would be driven by the impact I can make, and not just limited to the “who” I should work with and “what” services I should provide. What I’m realizing is that I am called to serve many types of clients for a reason.

So to help YOU build momentum, over the next few weeks, I’ll share some of the life and business lessons that come up from the different types of work I do with my clients.

This week, I’ve been back in Milwaukee working as a professional Interim CEO – leading my 8th organization through a strategic transition. It’s one of the most fulfilling types of consulting work that I do. Here is a key lesson that has surfaced that I believe is paramount for success in any field:

Create a unified, clear picture of what you really want, and empower those around you to be a part of making it happen.

Since I’m not on-site every day in Milwaukee, I must prioritize tasks and projects quickly. I’ve learned that it’s critical to take time in the beginning to test, hone and confirm a clear goal, and then find ways to ensure that we have the “buy in” from the team.

This creates confidence, creativity and momentum! In Milwaukee, brochures, invitations and letters are going out, thermometers are going up, community partners are being invited in…and all stakeholders are working together as we invite the community be a part of our mission-driven work!

So let me ask you…

Whether you’re in the field of Interim Management or not, do you have change-related challenges that you’d like to solve? Do you want to talk about ways that I might be able to support you in solving those challenges?

Let’s get on the phone and see how I can support you. Schedule a clarity call with me, and I promise you’ll walk away with a much clearer understanding of what YOUR best next strategic moves might be – for you and for your business or organization.

Schedule your time here.

Stay tuned for more “lessons from the field”, as next week I’ll share some key takeaways I’ve noticed from my 1:1 coaching work.

It’s an honor to serve you.

To your success,

Kathryn